Chapter
The Morality and Rationality of Suicide (IN: Suicidology: Contemporary Developments, ed. by E S Shneidman)
Brandt R
The problem of suicide is analyzed from the viewpoint of contemporary philosophy. The discussion focuses on 3 issues: 1) the moral blameworthiness of suicide, 2) when suicide is morally justified or objectively right, 3) whether & when suicide is best or rational for the agent. The moral obligations of other person’s toward those who are contemplating suicide are also reviewed. (10 refs.) (LH)